In coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Advisory Office for Cultural Affairs, a delegation from the General Secretariat of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine paid an official visit to the Vatican Embassy in Baghdad. The delegation met with Chargé d'Affaires Father Charles Lwanga Ssuuna to discuss enhancing cultural and religious cooperation and fostering mutual values that support peaceful coexistence and human solidarity.

Mr. Al-Hassan Nimah Al-Khafaji, Assistant Head of the Shrine’s Media Department, noted that the delegation offered condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, recalling his historic visit to Iraq and meeting with the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf as a milestone in interfaith dialogue. The delegation also extended congratulations on the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope for a future papal visit to Karbala.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in cultural and humanitarian fields to reinforce mutual understanding and universal values.

Father Charles Lwanga Ssuuna thanked the delegation for its kind gesture and stressed the importance of ongoing interfaith communication and promoting a culture of peace.

Mr. Haidar Al-Mangooshi, head of the International Media Center at the Holy Shrine, highlighted prior cooperation between the Shrine and the Vatican Library, facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This partnership included the sharing of publications on Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) thought and doctrine.

He added that efforts are underway to formalize this collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, aimed at deepening cultural and intellectual exchange.

Mr. Miqdad Al-Nouri, from the Ministry’s Cultural Affairs Advisory Office, confirmed high-level discussions are ongoing to support joint initiatives, including the signing of the MoU between the Shrine and the Vatican Library, in cooperation with the Iraqi Embassy to the Vatican.

Ali Fadhel